Jackson Browne - Fan Letters & Reviews
March 2003
In response to fullys@ntlworld.com I would like to add my comments about last nights gig at the Bridgewater Hall in Manchester. Not having seen JB since 1987 I was amazed how good he looked for his age. First some highlights:- Fountain of Sorrow, Amazing Your Bright Baby Blues , Superb arrangement on this one. Just the fact that he performed For A Dancer (Alone on the piano) One nice touch was when a lady from the audience requested 'Looking into You', he waited for the rest of the crowd to react and when no-one did he said, "Looks like you're the only one" Slight pause as if he wasn't going to perform the song, then "Well seeing as you ARE the only one I'll play it just for you" and he played the song really well, once again alone on the piano. Nothing like a bit of spontaneity. Also my wife who has never put a JB cd in the player in her life, said she thought the gig rated 10 out 0f 10, high praise indeed. The band was fantastic epecially the two lead guitarists. The acoustics in this great venue were brilliant, helped by Jackson's voice which held out well for two and a half hours. All in all a really great night.
Here's the set list from Manchester tonight:
I've been assured by many others that they're going to post reviews, so I'm going to pass this one over since I'm exhausted and have a long trip home tomorrow. I believe he's headed to Scotland as I write.
Jackson Browne
The Opera House, Westgate Road, Newcastle
By Terry Kelly, Shields Gazette
A PACKED Opera House audience soaked up the classic sounds of USA West Coast rock when Jackson Browne made a rare and much-anticipated visit to Tyneside.
Endless highways and unresolved relationships are 54-year-old Browne's songwriting stock-in-trade and have served him well in a long career which took off with his debut album in 1972.
Drawing on his rich back catalogue, Browne delighted his fans with ballads and rockers combining his trademark craftsmanship and heartfelt emotion.
Although the first half was plagued with noisy technical problems which threatened to throw him off balance, Browne still produced a spinechilling version of Fountain of Sorrow from his revered 1974 album Late for the Sky.
He delved into childhood memories for Barricades of Heaven and even reprised his early single Rock Me on the Water.
The second half was more focused and memorable, Browne launching into his brilliant song of survival, I'm Alive, and giving vent to his political despair with Lives In the Balance.
Other highlights included Late for the Sky - Browne at the keyboards, wringing every ounce of emotion from his 70s classic- plus the early Child of the These Hills, the anthemic Running On Empty and a magnificent version of the spiritually yearning The Pretender.
He encored with Doctor My Eyes from his debut album, bringing the Opera House crowd to its feet for a spot of aisle dancing.
A night to remember.
(Review appeared in the Shields Gazette, March 1, 2003)
SET LIST:
Dear Russ,
Great to read such in depth reviews, especially Sue / Holdout [the last letter posted in the February 2003 Letters]. I was the guy who shouted out to Jackson to "play what you want" - made my day when he replied. Lives in the Balance was particularly inspiring as was the whole show. My wife and I have seen Jackson once on each of his tours during the past 20 or so years, Cambridge Theatre included - it was great to see him just 10 miles from home. Looking forward to reading about the rest of the tour. Keep up the good work.
For the lady in hospital, this was the first time I'd seen Jackson live, although I've lived all my adult life with his songs and music and the older I get the more they seem to mean. My anticipation and excitement were immense and it was very emotional when he came on stage and I was so pleased to be there after waiting so many years. Someone else has written a playlist (thankyou, I was a bit muddled on order) so what was it like? Stunning, amazing. I loved hearing all the songs from the new CD played live, it made them so personal, especially For Taking the Trouble, really heartfelt. These Days was great, more upbeat, (it was always a bit mournful for me) and I loved hearing old favourites like Rock me on the Water and In the Shape of a Heart.
The band were terrific throughout and Jackson's voice just got stronger and stronger until when he played For a Dancer, just Jackson and the piano at the front of the stage, his voice filled the whole amazing place. Just a magical moment for me, I didn't expect him to play that song (my funeral song!) not on any of the playlists from Australia, it makes me cry all over again writing about it.
Just carried along on the emotion after that, loved the arrangement of Bright Baby Blues, loved all the acoustic stuff best really but the encores were all great and by the end of the show Jackson just felt like an old friend you hadn't seen for a while, someone you know really well, like family almost. Let the music keep your spirits high and see you in Birmingham (I got tickets for 3 shows too) Can't wait.
The time 8.00pm. Glasgows Royal Concert Hall, a sellout, Jackson walks on stage to thunderous applause. After the opening song Jackson thanks the audience for the welcome. As always you know Jackson is genuine in his thanks. The concert hall sits in anticipation of a great night
The first set is a combination of the new album " The Naked Ride Home " and classic songs from the early years, most with the band. Solo sets with Jackson is always a delight. At the piano Jackson sang " For a Dancer ". A different arrangment ( from the C.D.) of " These days " breathtaking.
After a short interval, amongst others," Lives in the balence, " "The Pretender " leading up to "Running on empty " and " Doctor my eyes ". By now everyone is on there feet, there is dancing. "The load out" and "Stay ".
Jacksons band, talented and extremly gifted individuals, I do feel,however, that the songs have a uniqueness about them when the songs themselves are on stage with less accompaniment.
Haste ye back Jackson
It was great to see Jackson again. This is the first time I've seen him in Glasgow. The hall is excellent with great acoustics. The audience gave him a really good reception. The set list was pretty much the same as Manchester. Jackson was pretty reserved but I think he has concerns over his throat - hence the throat pastilles. Nevertheless his performance was peerless, the band was really tight. I was really pleased to hear Late For the Sky. Great versions of Mystery Companion and A Child in These Hills. The guitar work throughout was brilliant but especially so on Casino Nation and Bright Baby Blues.
As I write this Jackson is playing Edinburgh. I'm looking forward to catching this band again in London on Thursday and Friday.
Here's the set list from Glasgow:
What a great euphoric moment, my first sight of Jackson Browne as he strides on stage shortly after we take our seats.
By halfway through the evening I was sad. The excitement had worn off and I sat close to tears. The sound coming over was poor, particularly the lead vocals. It was clear by this point that it was not going to get much better, no matter how hard the sound engineer worked at it.* It seems that Jackson Browne's voice is not up to the task, and efforts to compensate for this in the mix has muddied the presentation of the rest of the band. Even the stories and talking between songs was unintelligible half the time. *Friends assure me that the Philharmonic Hall has exceptionally good sound.
Live performance - you pays your money and you take your chances. I plan to be at the next Manchester show in a few weeks time and hope for Jackson Browne to be performing well then.
Last night was really disappointing and left me so frustrated that I have written today in the hope that the message gets through - To Mr Jackson Browne, "I have a deep affection for many of your songs and hence for you, but I wish you had cancelled the show. Please don't be running so empty"
Four days on from Glasgow. Jackson received a rapturous welcome and he responded in the best possible way. Upbeat, on top of his form with some entertaining inter song "chats". Concerns over his throat seem to have subsided - he was magnificent. The highlight for me this time was a solo Jackson at the piano performing a flawless Farther On (I've never seen him perform this live before). The applause was thunderous. The band was brilliant.
Here's the set list from London (Thursday 6 March):
This is the 6th time I have seen JB in concert and it was great to hear him play in Scotland again.
The quality of the performance was excellent as usual and a full house enjoyed Jackson play a cross section of the new songs (which all sounded fantastic live) and the classic old favourites (which always sound fantastic live).
The band are brilliant especially Mark Goldenberg on lead guitar.
Highlights for me were "For a Dancer", "Fountain of Sorrow" , "The Pretender", "The Naked Ride Home" , "Running on Empty", "Lives in the Balance" which seems appropriate at this time and an unplanned version of "Linda Paloma " requested by someone in the audience. Jackson played this song on the basis that nobody else ever asks for it to br played.
I am hoping to catch the concert in Murcia whilst on holiday in Spain next month.
Keep coming back to Scotland Jackson, you will always be assured of a warm welcome and full concert halls.
Hi Russ
I came across this review ofone of Jacksons UK shows. The article is from The Guardian Newspaper.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/arts/reviews/story/0,11712,908279,00.html
Regards
Hi, Russ
I thought other fans might like a review of Jackson's first night in London, at the Carling Apollo. It's nothing like being there, I know! But hopefully this will give others an idea of what an excellent night I had.
It was a great gig last night at the Hammersmith Odeon, well worth waiting 6 years for :o)
Jackson and the band made us wait for a few minutes after the lights went down - more than one comment was yelled out from the audience after we gave up on clapping. The one that got the biggest laugh was "Can we try another channel?".
After what seemed like an eternity Jackson led the band on, to rapturous applause. Set lists have been posted before, so all I'll say is that to me it seemed the perfect mix of old and new material. I was ecstatic to hear my current favorites, "Never Stop" and "For Taking The Trouble" from the new album, and "A Child In These Hills" from way back when.
Highlights included: Jackson singing "Fountain of Sorrow" - introduced as "this is a song from... (long pause)... then", and on the line "You were turning 'round to see who was behind you", he turned round and glanced over his shoulder at Maurizio - nice touch :o)
He did manage to start off "Further On" (I think?) in the wrong key, luckily solo on the piano so he didn't upset the rest of the band! He got as far as the first line, stopped short, said "Wait a minute (laugh)... I probably could do it in that key....." then took a moment to work out which key he should have been in. Great recovery, great version of a song that epitomises his musical journey to me.
He played "The Pretender" early, after someone yelled it out. He did make a point, though, of saying that they were going to play what they wanted to play (which didn't stop the endless yelling, in every quiet moment during the set - more on that later). He explained that they were intending to do "The Pretender" at the end of the evening, and spoke a little about behavioural triggers and how you can get conditioned to carry out certain responses..... just so we'd all understand if the band disappeared after that song and never came back ;o) Luckily for us they stayed!
"Never Stop" was introduced as a song about trying to stay in love with someone. Jackson then said that he was starting to sound like his brother.... but wouldn't explain why! I wish he wouldn't do that, it's one of the few annoying things about him! It happened again later, when he insisted that London audiences (and London in general) were "really wierd" for him.... and then he said "but I'm not going to go into why that is right now." Well, WHEN? I'd love to know, and I think I speak for most of London on this one ;o)
Anyway, "Never Stop" was a truly ripping version :o) The hairs were raised on the back of my neck, and judging by the effort put in, blisters were probably raised on both Jackson's and Jeff's vocal chords too! Jeff's voice is the perfect foil for Jackson's, they fit together so well. And contrary to earlier reviews, I think Amanda fits in there pretty good too. Maybe it's just because the Apollo has such good acoustics, maybe earlier venues had the wrong type of reverb - or something.
Jackson spoke a little later about how he never remembers venues for the audiences, but for the backstage layout or the appearance of the stage door or stuff like that - but he remembered the Apollo from 1982 (?) because there was one guy sitting up in the circle who really made him angry that time (that comment didn't stop the shouting out either). Then he pointed up into the circle and yelled "it was you, wasn't it!" or something like that ;o)
I was enthralled to hear the 'original' version of "These Days", which I thought was an improvement on the recorded version. I loved "Rosie", performed very capably by the male members (if you'll excuse the phrasing). And of course he did one of my all-time favourites, "Sleep's Dark And Silent Gate". And there was no fluffing on "Shape Of A Heart" this time, despite an obvious rough edge to his voice when he was speaking all evening. That song got just about the biggest round of applause all night, second only to "Lives In The Balance".
It's a shame that "I'm Alive", "Sky Blue And Black", "After The Deluge" and "Tender Is The Night" didn't make the set list but let's be realistic here - if he played everything his fans wanted to hear it would be a 5-hour set and I don't think his voice would have stood up to that! I don't think the Apollo would have been keen on paying overtime for all those staff, either.
He finished, of course, with "The Load Out/Stay", with a couple of changes - "'Cause when that morning sun comes beating down/ You're going to wake up in London Town/ And we'll be scheduled to appear....... right here!", which got a great cheer from the first London night's audience ;o)
Now on to about my only critiscism of the evening - the consistent shouting out of request, even after Jackson had made it clear that they weren't really taking requests that night, and long after he'd started ignoring the shouts altogether in the second half of the show. One guy got so insistent that Jackson pointed out to him "it won't be possible to have a conversation right now" and "I can't hear you", but eventually pulled out his earplug to see what the guy was going on about. None of us heard the guy's side, but it was pretty lengthy. Jackson's answer was "no, that wasn't the most memorable night of my life - but I'm working on that right now." in a kind of sarcastic tone.
I can understand that some people will take the chance to ask Jackson to play their favourite song, but past a certain point (the man shouting out "DELUGE" in every single quiet moment, even when it was clear that Jackson was pointedly ignoring him & everyone else), it becomes disrespect, IMHO. Other audience members thought so too, judging by the "Shhhh!" and "shut UP!" coming from various places in the auditorium. It must be very offputting for the band too, getting your head into gear for the next notes/chords/lyrics while being yelled at for something entirely different. If the band show reluctance to take requests, for god's sakes leave them to their set list! End of rant :o)
Having said that, it was an excellent show. 2 encores with most of the audience on their feet at the end, and Jackson was animated, on form, obviously pleased to be there, and mostly loved interacting with the (sober) audience members. I only hope it's not going to be another 6 years before he enthralls London again.
And just as a little extra treat, I've typed up an interview with Jackson, taken from the Sunday Mail 'You' magazine of February 16 - www.teddy-uk.net/misc/JB-you.htm
"In my heart lies a memory to tell the stars above Don't forget to remember me, my love "
Maurice Gibb, 1949-2003
Please can anyone post the set list from the Liverpool concert.
I write this with very mixed feelings. Having seen such a great band and magnificent artist three times in five days I am totally exhilarated. I am also so tired. How does Jackson do it? He gives so much and he has now completed 7 gigs in 9 days. My admiration is total. I have been so fired up by the performances I have seen but the downside is how long before the next opportunity comes round? I really hope that I don't have to wait six years until the next encounter.
The audience on Friday were really "up for it" and the band responded magnificently. I was accompanied by a different person to each concert. One who endures my passion for Jackson but who tends to prefer classical, soundtracks and jazz; another a die-hard 1970s fan who loved the work with Lindley in particular; the third would not have recognised a Jackson Browne song prior to last night. All three loved the concerts. Just shows that Jackson is For Everyman (sorry - couldn't resist it). Nevertheless nearly 30 years on from my first encounter with his music the magic still remains, the fascination is total and I am so pleased that Jackson is still delivering so well.
For those who are scheduled to catch the remaining concerts - savour.
Here's the set list from London (Friday 7 March):
Just over a week ago I posted a message on the site regarding my wife being in hospital and desperately hoping to make it to Hammersmith on the 7th and Birmingham on the 8th. Firstly, thanks to the fans who responded to the plea for set lists/reviews of the early shows on the tour and YES she did make it to both and had the perfect boost.
Hammersmith on the 7th was simply excellent in our opinion. Started dead on time although there were still the usual stragglers coming into the auditorium even as they struck up Somebody's Baby. Sound was terrific, Jackson looked great from where we were, about 15 rows back in the stalls. Band were superb, nothing flash or showy, just a bunch of seasoned pros doing what they do best. What just didn't seem possible was the manner in which they simply stroll on stage and start, you can't help feeling there should be some announcement or something, but I guess that's probably the way Jackson prefers it.
Apart from Bruce Springsteen, this is the first time I can remember an intermission at such a concert, although it didn't seem to harm the show at all or break up the flow. If anything the band and Jackson came back even stronger in the second half. New material sounded great played live, especially Naked Ride Home and, we thought, About My Imagination.
Highlights from the 'oldies' selection, well, where do you start. Solo piano versions of Late For The Sky, For A Dancer (which 'won' an audience cheer vote in competition with Rosie!), Pretender (simply superb) and one of my all-time favourites by ANY artist, Running On Empty. By this stage the whole place was on its feet and rocking, and that's the way it stayed through Doctor My Eyes and Load Out/Stay.
We came away thinking ourselves very lucky that we were going to see him the following evening in Birmingham. Another review of that show forthcoming.
Set list as we remember it, not necessarily in the order in which they were performed, but not far off:
Somebody's BabyI think that's about right, although as I said before the running order won't be exact as we weren't exactly writing them down!
Onto the Symphony Hall for the first time ever and what a magnificent venue. Could hardly believe it was happening as we made our way to our seats in the second row, smack in the centre. This time our 16-year old son came along as he had said he wanted to see a true great in action, and the songs were so familiar having heard them played so much!
Again the band simply wandered on and started and our lad got a direct nod from Jackson, but fairly early on it seemed as if Jackson wasn't as relaxed as he had been the previous night at Hammersmith. He seemed bothered by the sound and mentioned it a couple of times, and there seemed to be quite a bit of signalling going on to the sound crew off stage, also by one or two of the band. Jackson was constantly fiddling with the radio pack on his belt and he didn't seem altogether happy. From where we were though he was still sounding good. Being that close you realise that you are hearing more of the unamplified sound, i.e him singing directly rather than through the speakers.
Set list for the first half was the same as Hammersmith on Friday night.
Second half started and immediately you sensed that the sound had been 'tweaked' during the break as everything seemed clearer, although we didn't actually think it had been bad in the first half. Jackson got a bit upset when someone fired off a camera flash right in the middle of Shape Of A Heart, causing him to stop the song and ask people not to do that, he's trying to sing a song. he picked the song up again from where he had left it and at the end told the audience that it wasn't that he didn't want people to take his photo, just that it's very distracting when you are trying to put a song over.
Highlight of the second half this time was Sky Blue And Black which we were really hoping we would see him play at some stage during the three shows we had tickets for, so we weren't disappointed. For A Dancer was played at the bidding of the audience and replaced Sleeps Dark And Silent Gate on the set list we had seen put down during the break. Bit disappointing for us, having seen it the previous night, but understandable if you wanted to see it performed live. He had a bit of trouble with this one, two slight hiccups with the notes or words, but the audience (or at least some of it) rose to acclaim him at the end of the song.
One or two aspects of the evening that irritated, not musically. People are going to call out requests etc. that won't change, but it's annoying when someone whoops or hollers once a song has started, this happened in For A Dancer which, let's face it, isn't a whooping or hollering song! And to the bloke who constantly kept yelling out "You're number one Jacko", it was funny the first time, and I too remember my first beer!
The venue was excellent but couldn't help thinking that for the most part this 'classy joint' restrained the audience as they didn't seem quite as prepared to get up and rock it out towards the end. One woman who had talked all the way through the show got quite shirty with someone in front of her who 'dared' to stand up for Running On Empty. If you're not on your feet by then, you didn't deserve to be there!
All in all another great night, up close with JB and the superb band, and in response to previous comments about the girl backing singer, we think she's just right (for anyone at Birmingham last night this is opposed to being just fine!)
Three weeks to wait, then off to Warwick, what we do after that who knows when we'll see him on these shores again. Hopefully it won't be as long again.
Hi from the lady who was in hospital last week and whoose husband posted the message regarding set lists. Thank you to anyone who replied, they were most appreciated. Luckily I made it to both shows albeit a bit by the skin of my teeth.
If anything was going to make me feel well again this was certainly it. I have never seen Jackson live before and was stunned by both shows. I felt as if just being there was a great privilege. If asked which of the two concerts I went to was the best (hammersmith 7th or Birmingham 8th) I would probably have to say Hammersmith as everything seemed to go right for Jackson and the Band and I felt that the audience were more appreciative. Although, having said that, being in the second row at Birmingham was amazing and our 16 year old son Tom was with us that night as he felt that Jackson has been part of his growing up. Luckily for us Tom's favourite track is "Sky Blue and Black" the only change from the previous nights show was to replace "late for the sky", a real favourite of mine for "sky Blue". I do not know which of the three of us were the most amazed.
My husband and I have tickets for Warwick on the 29th and cannot wait. My only critisism of the two shows would be the constant calling out from the crowd during songs and the repeated requests for personal favourites. My favourite is "Before the Deluge" and I would love to hear it performed live. However, I do not think that Jackson has ever really had a rotten track. I for one could listen to whatever he feels he wants to play as just being there was a great joy.
It's a mistake to look forward to a show too much. Since last seeing Jackson in the 80's, when I was interested but not passionate, over the last few albums he has gone from strength to strength and now has "most played artistâ status in our house" kid's included!
The start of the show was shaky, with Jackson's voice apparently starting to suffer from a tour schedule that would break many an 18 year old. Sound mediocre, with Goldenberg's guitar way down in the mix and the whole feel of the band very much "another night, another town". Barricades of Heaven lost much of it's power with the guitar licks barely audible, but otherwise all very professional. However, with the sound improving song on song, it came as a shock at the interval to realise that a full hour had passed so quickly. To be fair, the other five people in our party, all familiar with Jackson, were more impressed.
Second half started with "About My Imagination", and it was a different band. From the restrained start to the cacophony of the ending it was perfect -- Iâm sure I caught a fleeting glimpse of Keith Moon. That was it -- the band and audience just flew for the rest of the show. Particular highlights were "Sky Blue And Black", a stunningly powerful "For a Dancer," and the ever relevant "Lives in the Balance". I was expecting an anti-Bush/war diatribe at some stage but no, a restrained "it's difficult for us at the moment" was all we got, other than the music and general audience chat. One earlier reviewer registered their dislike of persistent audience requests. In our case we were cursed with one under medicated individual who repeatedly bawled, "You're number one Jacko" from one of the balconies. There's always (at least) one.
Having read some of the critics (rather than fan) reviews of the London/Liverpool shows I wondered just how laid-back the band would be, particularly as I last saw Mark Goldenberg backing Al Stewart, striking the all the classic "guitar hero" poses as a natural. Well, I suppose he looks more like a plumber now and is pretty static on stage but don't we go to listen to music? And last night was just about as good as music gets. Oh, and Jackson, it's pronounced Burr-ming-um.
Well I am just intrigued and perplexed by the "criticism" of Jackson's Birmingham concert, which seems to have mirrored some of the negative observations made by other correspondents from earlier concerts. Those earlier criticisms had made me anxious that we were in for a disappointing night, particularly as we had so looked forward to seeing him again after so long. Well I can tell you that [despite the "calling out", for songs not on the set list] the evening was an absolute triumph. Jackson looked and sounded quite wonderful. It was a bravura pedrformance and quite beyond anything other than total praise and complete admiration. So for those of you still anticipating the future concerts, fear not. He is as fantastic as ever !!! Forgive me this particular arrogance, but those who were present last Saturday will know that, for the first time this tour, he sang "Sky Blue and Black". As he introduced the song, Jackson observed that he hadn't sang it in a long while. He was doing so that night because he had received a letter requesting it. Who was it requested for, you might wonder. Answer :- Me. Now that's how to get him to sing a particular song. Not by shouting out whilst the concert is underway.
i have been a huge fan of jackson browne for a while and the first time i heard him i thought his music was great. i went to the philharmonic hall 4th march to see his show, and i thought it was great.however i waited at the stage door for three hours (i,m not complaining) to ask him could i have a photo with him, when he arrived, (me and a friend were the only ones waiting) and my friend is not a fan he only came along to take the photo for me. when he got of the tour bus he was ok with us he said hi guys, but when i asked him for 1 photo he said he did,nt feel up to it sorry.i know he does,nt have to do any photo,s there was only 2 of us, ok he was,nt up to it that,s just the way it goes.i,ve seen a lot of photo,s on the net of him with fans and it seemed to me that he would,nt have a problem with doing 1 photo. so then i went to watch the show a little dissapointed of course but as i say the show was great and not getting a photo with one of my idol,s just spoiled my evening a bit. after the show there was about 25-30 people waiting for autographs but no one seen him at the end. so i look at it this way at least i got the chance to meet him and he seemed cool. but it only takes 10 seconds if that to take 1 photo. i think that day he really did act like a "pretender". but the show, the performances of the band ,and jackson were brilliant.
regards and best wishes,
I have to say i blame my elder sister & brother, for my Jackson Browne addiction!!! I consider myself to be a baby fan as have only just turned 30, but i was brainwashed from about the age of 6, my poor daughter Gabriella is getting the same way, as she is only 10 and knows all the most of the words to his songs, that i have on CD in the car!! I had the great privilege of seeing Jackson again in the Apollo, Hammersmith (I have to say the acoustics where awesome here) I also saw him in Birmingham on the Looking East tour, and at The Royal Albert Hall, where i thought that Jackson & Bonnie Raitt, complimented each other vocally, amazingly. I also have tickets for his last date in Manchester, which i can hardly wait for, and can't wait for him to return to the U.K. My only upset, is that I absolutely love Ready Or Not, (For Everyman Album) and have yet to hear him play this live??!!( I heard, unsure if this is true, but was told this song was written about his first wife, and that is why he does not play it very often?? if at all!!) All his concerts are awesome, and i always feel like, i have been apart of brilliance when i leave Love,
Webmaster's Reply:
Hi Athena,
Jackson's song, "Ready or Not" claims that he met his first wife, Phyllis Major, at a bar (The Troubadour in Los Angeles) and actually had a fight with an unemployed actor who was hassling her. Jackson lost the fight, but he and Phyllis moved in together and eventually she got pregnant... and they got married. For many years, Jackson refused to perform this song and has said that he is no longer comfortable with the way the song makes fun of a very serious situation and that the details are not really all that accurate. Recently (within the past year or so) he has performed parts of the song a few times by request... but still leaves out versus he's uncomfortable with.
So far, he has not performed the song on this tour.
Russ
As I mentioned in my previous post, thanks to Martina and Stefanie, Judi and I hitched a ride to Birmingham yesterday without tickets in our hand. Neither of us can ever remember doing that for a Jackson show before. It was a pretty weird feeling heading out without even being sure of getting in! The angels were with us because we were able to get 21st row on the end of the centre block. We got the tickets from the box office so we didn't have to pay any silly prices to unpleasant folk. Ordinarily I wouldn't be too pleased with 21st row but, since I never expected to go to this concert at all, *any* ticket was a very happy thing.
The Symphony Hall is a very modern theatre and local people were very keen to tell us about the fine acoustics. Certainly it's a very impressive hall with balconies waaaay up high. The rows in front of us were pretty much on the same level, but the rows started to bank up a little higher just a couple of rows in front of us. So we had a very clear view of the entire stage, though it seemed a little way in the distance after front and 4th on the previous two nights. No complaints though, just to be there was something fine. ;-)
Jackson appeared at 7.35 (7.30 scheduled start) and went right into the, now expected, Somebody's Baby. And no, Bryan, it does not "disturb" me at all that this is the song to start the set. It's always been a personal favourite of mine. For me, it rocks, sounds great, and has lyrics to think about. In fact I'd say it's a perfect song to start the show, perhaps especially in England. Although the sound appeared to be perfect from my seat, Jackson was fiddling with his earphones throughout this song. Clearly he wasn't hearing what I was hearing. The lights dimmed as usual at the end of the song and Jackson turned to change his guitar, picking up another electric one.
When he turned back to face us the usual spotlights on him did not light up. He threw his arms wide and waited. I wish I'd been close enough to see his face! In a second or two the lights came on and we got The Night Inside Me. Then he was off to the keyboard for Fountain Of Sorrow, still fiddling with his earphones. There was too much going on socially through the day and night for me to remember where he spoke in between songs. At some point he spoke to the sound man off stage to his left and had a discussion with him, and us, about the difference between "just fine" and "just right". He also made a point of giving a special welcome to the folk in the very top balcony, lifting his head right back to look up at them. He hadn't been talking much and, while he was talking about his own sound problems, somebody called out that he wanted to hear more of his voice. *I* took it to mean that he wanted Jackson to talk to us more, but I *think* Jackson took it to mean that the sound wasn't good out in the hall. Whatever, most of Jackson's between song chat after that was about the sound. He told us they'd had a very long soundcheck trying to make sure that the sound was right way up in all the balconies. He mentioned his sound engineer on the mixing desk, and introduced him to us (Paul somebody). Jackson was fairly good humoured about it throughout, but there was no doubt that whatever he was hearing in his earphones was bothering him all through the first set.
The rest of the first set was the same as the previous night in London.....The Barricades Of Heaven, Casino Nation, Rock Me On The Water, Never Stop, These Days, The Naked Ride Home and My Stunning Mystery Companion. In some ways it was really nice to have a view of the whole band without having to turn from one to the other. The whole stage is pretty impressive and it seems to me that a lot of thought and work has gone into the lighting and backdrop. The first set ended at 8.42, and I should have mentioned that Jackson was wearing the same shirt and jeans as in London. Maybe he found the launderette to be so much fun in Newcastle that he's visiting one every day!! ;-)
During the intermission 20 or so people had gathered in the aisle by the stage. We were wondering why when the house lights dimmed and Jackson and the band came out for the 2nd set at 9.05. As he sat at his keyboard and, in a no fuss kind of way, told them that they would have to go back to their seats. I imagine security were having a problem getting them to do that (any insight Jackie?) but they moved the moment Jackson spoke. Many of them headed back way beyond us. Jackson went straight into About My Imagination and I've scribbled something on my set list that must have caught my attention at the time. Since I can't read my own writing you can join me in wondering what it might have been! Then he moved from the keyboard and began In The Shape Of A Heart. The stage and lighting on this one looked awesome, IMO, from the 21st row! I always have my heart in my mouth during this one because I've never forgotten an acoustic show when Jackson messed up on the words and mentioned how it upset him when he didn't get this song right. I don't know how you can do anything but sit and absorb this whole song, but people all around the first 15 or so rows of the theatre were taking flash photographs pretty constantly. Jackson got about half way through the song before he stopped and told them to stop taking his photo and to put their cameras away. There was some supportive applause and he and the band picked it up again right away. Even then there was one more bright camera flash in front of us to the right, but Jackson and the band played on. I hope the flash photographers are ashamed. Jackson dealt with the situation wonderfully, but he should not have had to. After the song was finished he said that it wasn't that he didn't want his photo taken, but to do it later. I won't say any more about this or I'll have the tantrum that Jackson was entitled to have. He didn't, and I applaud him for his calm and good manners.
Before he began For Taking The Trouble he told us about the Bob Dylan concert that he went to in Australia and that Dylan didn't say a word to his audience, didn't even face them a lot of the time. He demonstrated turning to the side and looking off-stage to our right. Then he demonstrated how Dylan responded to the applause at the end of his show, which I can best describe as being like you were standing with your hands apart about to applaud but you just leave your hands out there for a second or two before putting your arms down again. Jackson said he was "captivated" by Dylan's show. Point well made, Jackson! I might have mentioned that I love For Taking The Trouble, which Martina and I heard as a very embryonic, and different, song in Charlotte in 2000. I particularly enjoyed it in Birmingham especially when he suddenly and briefly threw his left leg out to the side and just kept on playing and singing. A Jackson moment!
Then he went to the keyboard and said he was going to play a request, a request that he'd had in a letter. He said they hadn't played it in a while and he wasn't sure how it would go. I doubt if anybody could believe it when he played the first few notes of............Sky Blue and Black to a silent and awed audience. Absolutely worth the trip to Birmingham for this alone. Thank you Martina and Stefanie for the ride, and Judi for talking me into it. ;-) You don't need me to tell you the kind of applause that one got! When it finally ended Jackson said that the person who wrote the letter probably noticed something different, and went on to explain that he was never sure whether it should be "sky" or "lives" unfolding. Very special.
A Child In These Hills was next, which is an absolute high spot of the show for me. Then he was off to the keyboard and many, many requests were being called out. He was sitting down (fortunately!) when he thought he heard someone call "For A Doctor"!!!! Judi thought it was probably an accent thing, and I'm sure she's right. However, you *should* have heard the dumbstruck way he exclaimed "For A Doctor??". I'm still laughing now! After more calls he asked how many of us wanted to hear For A Dancer. The response had him saying "not many", which brought a large enough roar for him to indeed play For A Dancer. Very lovely, of course, but For A Doctor might have been very interesting!!
He was back to acoustic guitar for Your Bright Baby Blues. As he changed to electric guitar he had a very good stab at saying "Birmingham" the way it's said in that particular Birmingham, thanked us all for coming and went into The Pretender. That got everybody on their feet and dancing, and it stayed that way through Running On Empty. During ROE when Jackson does that thing where his right hand goes down across the guitar and then comes up over his head before it gets back to the guitar again I had this mad idea that he was looking in our direction and smiling a little. I quickly talked myself out of that one, but the feeling continued as his hand stayed in the air for those few moments. I guess he was holding a guitar pick because his fingers were slightly curled over, but I had another mad idea of a slight wave and a bit more of a smile. I knew it was my imagination but I thought I better smile back, just in case! After ROE they left the stage and I turned to Judi asking, "did he just see us way back here?". She responded with, "unless I've lost my mind!". So, either both of us have indeed lost our minds, which is entirely possible, or the little wave and smile was for us. Only he can tell you, and he's not talking to anyone on this trip.
Doctor My Eyes was the first encore, and The Load Out/Stay the second. The next show was in Derry, and Macbeth was on the video. Somebody else can explain Jackson's logic (or lack of it!) on that one. There was an additional thing that they had before "reggae" but I didn't catch it. It seemed to have something to do with Val because there was a big smile from Jackson in that direction as he sang/said it. And then it was all over. :-(
I met up with several people that I haven't seen in years, most notably Kevin Pryde who I haven't seen since Liverpool in '96, and first met outside the Albert Hall in '94 when there was a train strike and nobody without cars could get home. I was driving alone and gave him and his daughter a lift that night, having never met them before. I can't think of any other situation that I'd feel safe in doing that, but we all know that Jackson Browne folk are good people. Thanks for bringing back those memories Kevin. It was also good to see Jackie and Fred again, and others that I know I'm not remembering at the moment. Please forgive me, I've not had much sleep, but goodness it's been worth it! Thank you Jackson for another special night, and thanks to everyone who made it possible for me, especially Martina and Stefanie.
And now I must get some sleep or I'll never be on that early flight to Dublin on Tuesday. See you all there!
When I got home tonight I was greeted by the evening news with the incrediable story of Elizabeth Smart's safe and Joyous return to her family. The safe return of this beautiful child is most needed in this time of depressing news from all fronts. My joy for her and her family is shattered when I think of the upcoming bloodbath that is approaching with our unjust and ill advised war. Is any one of the children who will die over the next few weeks in this slaughter less precious than Elizabeth? Is any one of the lives of our service men and women who will be lost any less precious than Elizabeth? Is any life that will be taken by the almost certain terror atttacks less precious than Elizabeth's? In a few days we will put into place a serious of events with unforseen consequences. We have lives in the balance. We have our future in the balance. This war can be avoided and Saddam can be contained without the huge loss of life and world condemnation that will result. We must strive for a peaceful solution.
I ask for you to dust off a copy of the song "Lives in the Balance" and ask you local radio station to place it into rotation. The song along with being beautifully crafted is more relevent today than when it was written 17 years ago. I feel that it squarely addresses why we wrong to enter this war. Maybe a miracle can take place if enough people open their ears and their hearts. Thank you.
i've seen jackson in my home town of bournemouth at last. you have to think how unlikely it is that he would ever wind up here, but he did. i've seen him every time he's appeared in the uk since 1976 at least twice, usually 3 or 4 times and here i was in centre isle front row bang in front of him in a semi dream. then he tells us the previous night he'd been in the odean cinema in bournemouth........unbelievable . i asked what film he'd seen...... it was the good theif which he said was great. he spoke at length to the audience which was great and i managed to get him to play sky blue and black which was superb. the crowd loved the show and many locals who hardly knew the music loved it. the local paper reviewed it in glowing terms and a great night with superb musicinship and the great man himself in majestic form made a great event for all. i am contacting the management company to see if he would come back maybe nexy year for a few solo shows which my company would love to promote maybe with profits to one jacksons charities. will keep your great site posted of any outcome. until then you all take it easy.
I've seen many concerts, and many great performers but I have to say that this was the very best in every way. The sound was perfect and that voice....well breathtaking I am just listening to "I'm Alive", when youve heard the real thing, it will never sound as good again on CD. To be short, We've had a really great time,and hope to see you again soon(it was the first time for my,and I am 40 so dont wait to long) The fact that there are Americans who dont want war, was a releave and was appreciated.
Thanks alot for the setlist. Unfortunately my son (8 years old) and I had to go after YourBrightBabyBlues. I'm too sorry ;( That was a great concert (my second after 17years - I saw him first in Oct.1986 in Essen, Germany). But this show was really great - otherwise I had expected that he would perform more Rocksongs than the quiet ones (I'm a Rocker, yes indeed!!!) Regards from Germany
Here is my short report about the Jackson Browne concert in Paris on Sunday, March 16. It took place at La Cigale, a very small theatre (I suppose the capacity is for less than 1000 people, it seemed to be nearly sold out). It was the first time I saw a Jackson concert at such a small venue where you are very near the stage. I have to say that it made the experience even more intense. Actually I think it was the best of the four Jackson concerts I have been to during the last 10 years. The sound was excellent, Jackson's voice show no sign of problems, and the musicians in the band were all very good. Here is the set list:
Unfortunately they only played 22 songs (approx. 2 hours and 10 minutes), which is one less than during most other shows... but I will go to the concert in Berlin on Thursday, too, and I hope to hear some of the songs then that he left out in Paris.
Hi Russ,
I'm a french fan of Jackson Browne, studying in the north of France this year, but living in Paris' suburb. So I'm lucky this year, since I can be in the north of Europe quite easily to follow rock'n'roll tours :-) AND I can be in Paris very quickly, riding at night especially.
I've discovered Jackson's music about a year ago, and I really appreciated it at the very 1st listening. But I guess I can say that I "re"-discovered it last saturday and especially last night too, on stage. I'm actually a big Springsteen fan, and I attended the shows he gave in Paris and Bologna, Italy, on the 14th and 18th of october last year. I felt exactly the same thing yesterday night, hearing Jackson playing live, as the thing I felt on the first Springsteen's show I saw on the 14th of october... : it was fantastic. Paris' audience was great yesterday, there was a lot of music professionals (radio hosts and musiciens), and the people who were there were real fans, the atmosphere was so great !... I met Ernie Brooks in the audience, and when I congratulated him for his performance at the show he made with Elliott Murphy on the 1st of march in Paris, he thanked me for bein' here tonight to see Jackson playing in France. I just answered that it was normal to be here, that it was the least I could do to support such an artist. Jackson seemed to be very happy to see that we made him welcome down here, and I hope he's gonna come back soon, 'cause we don't have the chance to see him often.
I give you the setlists as I can remember them, I don't have all the titles. Sorry about that.
I had a real good time yesterday, the band was so amazing, it was something so strong to hear those songs played live, it was a bit unreal in a way, 'cause I'm a young girl and a young r'n'r fan, and the artists I admire have done the best part of their live career in the past. That used to drag me down, until I see Springsteen on stage of course, but also Jackson last night. Those artists make the "real r'n'r world" go round, and I understood that last night. "Rock'n'roll is here to stay..."
Thanks for your web site, thanks for goin' on doin' what you do, and hope to read from you. Best regards,
I went to see JB last saturday and it was great. It was my first concert of him that I saw. Of course it is nice to be able to see on the internet the setlists of the previous concerts, so you can see what he is going to play in advance. Of the last 8 odd concerts he only once played "I'm alive", one of my favourite songs. I was on the corner of the 4th row and when the intermission started and Jackson walked off stage I rushed up to the podium and asked him to play "I'm alive", he looked at me but did not show a sign as if he understood. When he played it the last time (Feb. 27 Newcastle) it was the first song after the intermission. So I waited for the first song, but it was not my request, so I was a bit disapointed. Then, about six songs before the end he said: "when I left stage somebody drew my attention for the next song", it was "I'm Alive". So you can immagion he realy made my day. The concert started at 20.30 and ended 23.20 (intermission included) so we had about 2 and a half hours music.. Thank you Jackson!!
Hi there, I saw Jackson at Bournmouth BIC last week. Excellent show the sound was brilliant and so was Jackson B.
The usual high quality and uplifting evening that we have come to expect from Jackson Browne at the Queen Elizabeth Hall in Antwerp on Saturday night. Wonderful venue (right next to the train station!), great acoustics and front row centre seats meant that this show got off to a flyer before the man himself even got to the stage. Not that he needed the help. The varied setlist (published elsewhere on the site) showcased the material from the excellent new album along with a solid selection of old faves, all beautifully played by the unobtrusive but technically excellent band.
Nice anti-war, anti-Bush speech before 'Rock Me on the Water' which was enthusiastically received by the audience. Hilarious moment at the start of 'My Stunning Mystery Companion' when Jackson picked up the wrong guitar and sang half of the first verse before realising that the key he was playing in was totally at variance with the rest of the band. 'I'm Alive' was included in response to a request and it sounded remarkably fresh and clean.
Highlights - everything, but particularly 'Barricades of Heaven', 'Casino Nation', 'Lives in the Balance', 'Call it a Loan' (this was a real gem), and a belting 'Doctor My Eyes' to finish with.
Is anyone else just a bit jealous of those fans in England, Europe, etc. who get to see Jackson alone, WITHOUT ANY OPENING ACTS? No offense to Steve Earle or Keb Mo fans, but when we finally get to see Jackson here, why can't we see him at his best, without sharing the time with anyone else? I saw him with Tom Petty last fall - it was fine, but only an hour, without any encore. I'm afraid that with two opening acts, we'll only get barely more than an hour this time around. I'll still probably attend a concert, but with great disappointment!
Thanks for all the concert-reviews. On the dutch-Venice-mailinglist I've read, that Jackson had made,last night at the Amsterdam-show, a compliment about Venice. Who was there and could mail more? Today he's in Germany (Hamburg today - Berlin tomorrow) - poor me, that I have no freetime to watch a JB-concert again : ( Hey, have fun at the shows (I'm counting on my Hamburg fellows - Martina, Stefanie, Elvira, Hajo, Thomas.....mail me immediately how it was, please)
that song called "Boulevard" is a song about male prostitution, I know this because that's what I did for 18 years in Hollywood I went to the Golden Cup many times I would really like to know how he knew this Bar, it's where allot of male hooker "Hustlers" hung out. It was a great time of my life for me, and I can really relate to that song. I love all of his Music.
In an almost completely filled Heineken hall (especially build for rock - pop concerts) we watched what was to become my best Jackson & Band concert ever.
No opening statement just a quick good evening and they started of with the Night inside me (I did not take any notes, so I hope somebody will post the complete play list), as a late sound check. During the first song the sound quality improved and just the base drum kept producing a booming sound all through the concert.
In between songs Jackson made multiple references to the pending war situation, but mentioned after a while that basically all he had to say about this was in his songs and started lives in the balance. Amazing how the current situation actualizes a song text that is over 15 years old!
This show was maybe a less inspired show (as we have seen in 90 shows where he was solo or with David Lindley) but was impressive because of its quality, craftsmanship and musical precision of JB and the band.
This time around not many requests were honoured, the only one that received an immediate reply (including change off guitars) was your bright baby blues (wonderful). Other requests received responses like, 'you might like this one even better' or 'same maker, same brand a slightly later model', 'we might do that one later'. Repeated requests throughout the show for Rosie received replies 'it is too early for that', 'not yet', your so Dutch asking for that', and than later 'yeah it is getting time for that, its coming upÉ'.
Highlights included old songs like Fountain of Sorrow, Late for the Sky, For a Dancer plus the first time ever i heard Sleep's dark and silent gate live. My stunning Mystery Companion ended the first half of the show with Keyboards and Bass evolving into a subtle bosanova rhythm ending of the song. Impressive.
Noteworthy I think is the way the light show underlined the atmosphere of Late for the sky and especially In the Shape of a Haert (yes indeed Ruby red lights).
After two encores JB left us all with a simple goodbye in the mike: "Peace" and off he went to do a show in Hamburg.
The show illustrated that with an excellent concentrated band and wonderfully arranged songs all you need is a willing audience (which was a bit tame during the first hour, JB kept asking is it loud enough?) to deliver an excellent night out.
Just a short anecdote about the Jackson Browne gig the other Saturday at the Birmingham Symphony Hall.
We arrived early, had something to eat at the cafe and then wandered around looking for the loos.
After a few minutes searching, I walked through some double doors, saw the 'Gents' sign but also heard the strains of "The Night inside of Me" coming from behind more doors.
After pushing open the doors, I found myself at the side of the auditorium with the band onstage, (sounding great as usual).
This was too much - there was only the sound guy in the hall and so I kept back against the wall and listened.
Unfortunately, after five minutes, one of the Symphony Hall staff tapped me on the shoulder with "I'm afraid you'll have to leave sir," comment and that was the end of that. But, for a few minutes at least I had the pleasure of watching one of the best bands on the planet give me a private gig!
Thanks Jackson, hurry back soon (and try and fit a York Barbican gig in too!)
The concert was announced for 20:00 o'clock and Jackson with his band was no second too late on the stage. 4.000 fans aged from 25 to 60 in a nice sold out old opera house. The Opener was "The Night Inside Me". When it was finished, Jackson told the audience he'll play a mix of old and new songs that night. Great applause for the first 4 tracks. Everybody knew, this would not be the night of a Browne concert only, but the night when the Bush administration would start the war against Iraque too. Jackson explained, he and his band are very glad, that in Germany so much people stood up against this war. But he founds it very interesting too, how different the positions of the people are in different places of his tour. Browne: "But that are the only positive words that could be said about those things." And because the war would have been started nearly four and a half hours after the end of his performance, he hadn't lost more words about it, I think.
It followed a great performance of him and his band, which ended up in a dancing part of the whole audience from "Running On Empty" on. It was Jackson's first concert in Germany since 1996, but I can say it was well worth the wait. A night we won't forget so soon! Thank you very much for it, Jackson, and don't let us wait 6 years again!
SET LIST:
Hi Guys,
I'm a big JB fan and was supposed to be in europe for several of the shows this tour. Unfortunately, things changed and I wasn't able to make the trip. I was wondering if anybody had any photo's from any of the concerts that you could e-mail to me.....the next thing to being there? Thanks,
Just wanted to say he was fantastic, never seen him before or even heard of him !!! Defintely 100 % fan now !!!!!!!! Im only 28, but was really impressed !! Think he is amazing, and looked great for his age !
After attending the concert in Paris on Sunday I was at the concert in Berlin on Thursday. Needless to say that it was once again a great experience. Of course the atmosphere was different because the place was a lot bigger than in Paris. I think I preferred the intense atmosphere at the small venue in Paris. To my enjoyment the set list was also a bit different:
I really liked this set list a lot because Jackson was at the keyboard more often and especially played For A Dancer beautifully. All in all the concert was perfect as expected. After the concert the guy selling the t-shirts also sold German concert posters for 5 euro for charity which I enjoyed to support. So that was my Jackson experience on this tour... I hope he will be back soon.
Where are the fan-letters from the germans? I can't understand that no one writes about Jackson's shows in Hamburg and Berlin this week. Were they so awful - sorry, I mean: awesome??????? Were they secret concerts, or what?
Dear Jackson
We write this note to you in thanks for the wonderful concert that you gave us in Dublin on 11 March 2003. You can judge a concert by the time it appears to last and that night seemed to be over in a flash. We felt so sorry for you when your singing voice gave up and hope it recovered in time for the next show.
We were on honeymoon at the time and are now enjoying married life together. It is second time around for both of us.
We particularly enjoyed 'My stunning mystery companion'. That song has a special significance to us because it was played at our wedding. And the words sum up beautifully the difference in our lives since finding one another.
For that evening in Dublin and for all the pleasure that your songs bring into our lives, please accept our deepest thanks.
Keep the fire burning,
Last saterday, I saw Jackson Browne concert in Antwerpen and it's true the man is touching your heart,you could fall in love.
Hi from Hamburg,
Hamburg was a very special concert for me because I met a lot of friends and fans (of course!). After seeing Jackson in London and Birmingham this concert was different. Maybe it was because it was in my hometown or because I was much more into the concert, I don't know.
Before the concert we (15 people from 7 different towns in Germany) spend some time chatting and eating in a local near the venue. It was so great seeing you all again or for the first time.
The venue in Hamburg, the Musikhalle, is a great hall where usually a lot of classical concerts take place. The hall was sold out maybe there were a few empty seats in the upper balcony.
Most of us had seats in row 2 and 3 on the left side. So we were sitting in front of Mark Goldenberg and Jackson when he played the keyboard. Before I give you the set list and a few comments (if I can read my notes) let me say a few things. Jackson was in a very good mood despite the things going on in the world. He wore the same shirt as in London and Birmingham. The audience was very enthusiastic between the songs. He got a lot of applause but there was not a single call for a song. At the intermission my friends and I thought of calling out for a song but we couldn't find the right time in the second part of the show. So we've got the set (nearly) how it was meant to be. That wasn't too bad. My only complain is that the set was 2 songs shorter than many of the other concerts.
The concert started at 8:02
Jackson strolled on stage and said that he's happy to be here. Then they went into
1. The Night Inside Me
After the song Jackson mentioned that he played in this hall nearly 10 years ago. Right Jackson, it was on 28.10.1993. After that with no introduction on keyboard: 2. Fountain of Sorrow
I really love this song and I love the way the band and Jackson are playing it.
Then he introduced the next song telling us that it's about growing up in Southern California than he corrected it could be about growing up anywhere. 3. The Barricades Of Heaven
4. Casino Nation
The second guitar player (Val) started to play the song but then he disappeared (He re-appeared after the song). I remember that he added a lot to this song when I heard it in London. Yesterday I had the feeling something was missing.
After this song Jackson said "Danke schoen" and was back on keyboards. It was then that he said a few things about the demonstrations against the war. There were some other things he said about the situation in the world but I couldn't understand all what he said. But he said that he doesn't really know what to say but it is all in his songs. 5. Rock Me On The Water
Short intro to the next song. Can't remember what he said. 6. Never Stop
Intro to the next song was the same he did in other concerts. He told us that his version of this song changed before he put it out and that this is the version like the one on Nico's album/CD (I didn't know what he said) where he played guitar on.
7. These Days - I like this version and it got a very loud applause At one point in the song he mixed the words or couldn't remember the right words but he was smiling about that. Normally he can get very angry (you can see it in his face) with himself when he messes up some words in a song. But it was only a few seconds and than he was in the song again. 8. The Naked Ride Home - I was very impressed with the reception the song got in London and Birmingham. What a great song live. As usually the guitar tech was playing on this song.
Jackson said that the next song is the opposite of this song. 9. My Stunning Mystery Companion - I love Jeff's harmonies. Jackson was constantly smiling at the (his) right side of the stage but I couldn't see anything. But I am sure he wasn't smiling at Mark. Intermission
10. About My Imagination
11. In The Shape Of A Heart - got a big applause at the beginning of the song
12. For Taking the Trouble - I scribbled the song title Better Move on my piece of paper. After hearing that song nearly 3 years ago in Charlotte when it still had a refrain with the line 'better move' in it I have problems calling that song different. But it is a different song. He introduced the next song by telling us that one of his sons lives in Australia and that he asked him to play this song again. 13. Lives In The Balance - this was so powerful, so appropriate and also so beautiful. Again Jeff's keyboard playing, Marks guitar play and Jackson's wonderful voice. We got up and they got a standing ovation from the Hamburger audience. That was a wonderful moment. 14. LFTS - wonderful. Another highlight
15 A Child In These Hills - I was so much looking forward to hear this song. Great.
16. Sleeps Dark And Silent Gate
After that Jackson thanked Hamburg again. 17. The Pretender - I thought that this couldn't be ending so soon. No Your Bright Baby Blues in the set...
18. ROE - only a handfull of people stand up but after a few seconds in the song we also stood up and so did many more people. Thunderous applause followed. Jackson and the band left the stage. After a few moments Jackson appeared and said. I hope you don't mind if I play another slow song.
19. The Load-Out/Stay - I couldn't understand what's on the video but we had "to do a show in Berlin". After mentioning Berling that Jackson paused and said "Ick bin ein Hamburger", smiled and continued with the song.
Again they left the stage and came back for 20. Doctor My Eyes - this song wasn't on his official set list so maybe we were lucky that we got it.
What a wonderful concert.
Thanks for listening
Dear Russ,
We went to the JB concert last week in Amsterdam. It was a great show, good sound, every body stting down (first time for us in the Heineken Music Hall all chairs) , we were at row 14., no smoking! fantastic and no walking for beer. Being able to fully concentrate on what happens on stage. They played lots of songs from TNRH (I like artists that play a lot of new material especailly when it has the high quality of this last album) and from ROE. This band is very solid; from where we were sitting the drums were not so loud, also bass guitar not, but solo guitar sometimes to a little bit heavy in the mix. Anyways we had a great evening.
Does anyone have the complete setlist? Would very much appreciate it!
Jackson played the fourth time in Hamburg, and he did it well, of course. Is he really 54? he looks like 30 (from the distance). He has a fantastic voice still and a very good aura on stage. But, somehow, its been a very smooth evening and in some moments of the concert it has been, sorry for that, boring. The arrangements of most the songs were very unsurprising, the lead guitar-man got a lot of space, and he didn't use this opportunity. Every time there was some new Idea, the concert became such an special drive, a fantastic country-like These Days, a song-telling Rock me on the water, a single played Sleeps Dark and Silent Gate. The half accustic played Lives in the Balance with an agressive guitar backline has been the highlight of the evening. Of course it has been the night, the war began, and the people in the audience wanted to hear something about the war, and this song seems to be written for an evening like this. There are children in the camps, yes, there they are, and there will be thousends of dead people (on both sides) who have nothing to do with this "game" (George W.) of politicians. Standing Ovations after the song.
The Concert flew bye, the audience was concentrated, but the spark didn't come over unitil the last song (Running on empty) so Jackson said goodbye with an "Thank you for the evening and thanks for your ... (waiting a while).. attention..." ;-))
There has been one letter to this evening. The Musikhalle is no old Opera house, it is a Music Hall for Classic Music. The for this evening submitted Setlist isn't quite right:
after the fantastic Lives in the Ballance he played Late for the Sky, which for me was the most intensive moment of the show. My Stunning Mystery Companion was the last song before the intermission (as in almost every show before, as it seems) After Sleeps Dark and Silent Gate he played Child in these Hills before the end section Pretender and Running on empty.
Sorry but: good Musicians, but too much arragement instead of songs. Nice concert, but not a great one.
Hi friends,
I«m a Jackson Browne fan from Heidelberg, Germany. At the 15.03.03 I went with my wife and daughter (9 years old) to the Jackson Browne concert in Antwerp, Belgium. It was the first time I saw Jackson live. It was a very graet concert. He played 23 Songs (7 Songs from his new CD). For me every Song was a highlight - it was a wonderful feeling to hear him live.
Thank you very much Jackson, take care of you and please be back soon.
P.S. Does anybody know the intermission music?
Hallo...im a girl from sweden who go 70...? (sweden miles 700 kilometers) for my first Jackson Brown konsert.. my idol since -79 when i first heard "Stay" in MALLORCA... I«m happy and very glad that i have that trip to esbjerg in denmark... Thank you Jackson Brown now i will love you forever... regards from the little blond girl standing on the right side from you at the concert... if you reed this please listen to "The Luckiest" whith Markus Landgren you can find the the song at Kazaa.......
Jackson Browne gave another great and beautifully relaxed concert at "Tobakken" in Esbjerg on saturday. Tobakken is actually an old tobacco factory rebuild for cultural arrangements. It is a pretty special room (see:
The audience was very appreciative thoughout the night, but maybe a little too laid back... The sound was excellent; we sat on the first row - right in front of the right speakers, but it didn't seem loud at all.
Anyway, the first part of the concert was also very laid back - the highlights imho being Fountain of Sorrow and Barricades of Heaven. There were two requests shouted out during the concert - Lives in the balance and Before the deluge ("for Mr. Zevon"). On both occations Jackson replied that they were about to play a song with a differemt setup. Halfway through the 2nd set, he played both (later on I could see, that they were on the setlist anyway...) remarking that these were requests.
Highlights during the 2nd set was definitely Deluge and Running on empty. As mentioned before, the audience had not been on their feet for one single moment. At the first chord of Running, the 3 of us stood up and went the few meters to the center of the stage for a little dancing - and everybody looked angry at us. After a few minutes the security tapped us on the shoulder, but Jackson said - no, no, it's okay - these people can stay!! So everybody stood up, and we got thumbs up from Jackson and the band - great.
The only song, which was not on the setlist was Rosie, which they played as the first encore - of course followed by load out and stay.
All in all a superb evening. The band was very tight, each member filling in his or her place perfectly. The last time I saw Jackson was at the concerts for Nicci Larson back in 97 or 98. Of course it's impossible (and unfair) to compare the present band with Russ Kunkel, Lee Sklar and Waddy Wachtel, but Mark, Kevin, Amanda and the others are definitely doing a great job; and they clearly love what they're doing!!!. What a treat!!
Love,
Hey everybody,
I know I should have written this more than a week ago but anyway, I went to see jackson at the Bournemouth International Centre on the 13th of March and all I can say is that it was absoloutely amazing form start to finish. There were no bum notes, no sound problems and the band were superb. Jackson himself was charming throughout, especially when one man got a bit loud and even a little rude when requesting a song!! He was witty and a delight to watch and I do not think any of us in my group have ever seen a concert or performance as good as that night. Jackson's voice was perfect and sounded just like the CD's but better. The set list was everything we wanted to hear and his performance of These Days, Sky Blue and Black and Sleeps dark and silent gate was absoulutely perfect, however I could'nt tell you what my favourites were as I just could not choose. His last two songs before the encore were The Pretender followed by Running on Empty (my dad cheered very very loudly at this point!!!), both songs were done with such energy and talent even though the concert was coming to an end and they all must have been knackered!! As Running on Empty started the aisles and the area in front of the stage filled up with people dancing and singing. Jackson and the band were astonished and Jackson remarked 'Is this a rock concert???!!', however I think he really enjoyed how involved the audience was and I don't think we could have made it any clearer how much we had enjoyed the show. After the band left the stage to raptuous applause they soon came back on to play the fitting Load out and Stay and the whole room was on their feet dancing and singing. Again they all left the stage but we cheered and clapped so much that they eventually came to finish the show with Doctor My Eyes on a yellow lit stage. I do not think any of us could have asked for a better show and if like us you had never seen him live before then you are now desperate to see him again! He played for 2 and a quarter hours and the whole show was just superb and the skills and talent of the band as well as the electric atmosphere just made it a fabulous show.
Love
The concert started at 1930, excactly as scheduled. From the the start everybody could see that Jackson was inspired. He did his best, but as only 800 people showed up, the roof wasn't lifted. The Start with "The night inside me" was ok, and he follewed with a very good "Fountain of sorrow". Jackson told ust that this night was very special for him, because 50 of his norwegian relatives from the western part of Norway had come to see him. Before "Till I go down" ha spoke about taking responsibility for the world. "Rock me on the water" follows the same theme, and he sang this song very well. We could see that he meant every word. "Never stop" is about staying in love. Jackson told a long story about "These days". He wrote the song when he was very young, and other people recorded it. He started playing the song like these people recorded it, and found himself playing it very slow with only a piano. His version in Oslo was very much like he started. Jackson also said: "The first version I got to play on that was recorded was with Nico." This should confirm that he really played on that recording. Jacson also told much about "My stunning mystery companion". What do you call teh person you live with for many years if you not are married? Jackson confessed that he called Dianna for "his wife", especially in certain Latin Amrican countries where the church has much influence.
After the intermission he started with "Imagination" and "In the shape of a hearth". I don't thing he managed to say anything about that song. Being in Australia Jackson had spoken to one of his sons, and he asked him to start playing "Lived in the Balance" again on this tour. A very good "Before the deluge" followed. "A child in these hills" was written when Jackson lived in New York, surronded by skyskrapers. This was told with irony that was very clear. "Late for the sky" was sung with a feeling, it was really the high point of this concert. He put so much feeling in it soI think that "The pretender" that followed was anti climax. Next was a stunning version of "ROE". First encore with "The load out/stay", was very good, and "Doctor my eyes" really made a good finale.
Jackson Introduced the band one by one between the songs. The guitarists, Mark LEventhal and IanMcCallum(I think), were really stunning. There was a third guitarist on "The naked ride home". I do not know who he was, he was not introduced, but he spent the rest of the concert helping the band wit guitars. Kevin McCormick did his bass job very very good, and he kept control all the time. The drummer,Maurice, gave all, an Jeff Young did his job. He filled the vocals very tastefully. The famale singer who also played congas softened it all up. All summed up Jackson and his band were very inspired and professional. The only weakness was the variation. Not all of Jacksons songs suits beeing ended wit two guitarists giving it all. I thing the concert had been even better with one or two songs with Jackson and piano/guitar, only.
Hi Russ,
the setlist from the Musikhalle in Hamburg March/19/03 has been posted before but the songs got a little mixed up. I'd also like to mention that "Lives in The Balance" received a standing ovation.
* Songs # 13 and 14 were all-acoustic.
Set list from Stockhom March 24:
Well, what can I say, it was a night of magic. Stunning, fantastic. As the 3rd encore everybody in the house expected The Load Out & Stay. Well, Mr Browne teased us a bit by saying: "Well, I guess you want me to play The Load Out & Stay?" He didn't!!! Instead he asked the crowd what to play now. One guy shouted "These Days," and Jacksons response was (with a smile) "Where have you been all night, we already played that". I guess it was because the original demo version was played, as it was written when Jackson were only 16. Fantastic band, excellent musicianship and THE voice...10 out of 10
Dear Russ!
Just a short note to let you know that Jackson's show in Stockholm, this Monday, March 24, was a SMASHING success!!!!!
He performed to a nearly sold-out hall for nearly three hours, and the songs were (in no particular order - I didn't keep a setlist...) :
A Child In These HillsA great, great show and the crowd just loved him!
Cheers,
Hello!
Last monday I went to the concert in Stockholm, together with my wife and our three daughters (age 11, 20, 23). They have all grown up with Jackson's music streaming from the speakers in our home and in our car. And they've seemed to like it, but maybe mostly to be kind to their father. After having experienced JB live last Monday, they are all as devoted as I have been for more than two decades.
Jackson was brilliant as always. His voice and music filled the air with such beauty and pain and... honesty. He made all the songs that we were waiting for, except for the finale. For the first time during this tour (?), he did NOT do The Load Out/Stay as encore, even if he was called back three times. As the first encore he and the band did Doctor My Eyes, when he came back for the second encore, he surprisingly did Looking in to You, alone at the piano. When he got back on stage for the third encore, he started talking to us, wondering if we were waiting for The Load Out/Stay. Of course we were. In a funny way he said he was trying to avoid that tonight, and asked for other suggestions from the audience. It ended up in a fine version of For Everyman. Excellent!
Funny note: He mixed up the words in Before The Deluge. He sang "Let the music keep or children high..." and started to laugh.
Setlist Jackson Browne, Globen Annexet, Stockholm, March 24, 2003
Hello Jackson Browne fans,
first of all I would like to say a big thank you to Russ for building up these pages and maintaining it so well. It is my source of J. B. information since 1996 and it marks my first internet experiences in that time while I was at university. Before, for me living in Germany it has been much more difficult to get information like tour dates, for instance. I became one of the biggest J. B. fans in northern Germany in 1986 at the age of 17 when I saw him on TV playing the Rockpalast concert in Essen. This was late at night on the German first program (and we had only five in that time) and I really was impressed by his music. Since 1982 and his Rockpalast concert at Loreley, I liked the music of David Lindley and I was aware of Jackson Browne being the producer of David«s blue first solo album and singing that nice harmony on Bye Bye Love, only. Because of that I was interested and stayed up that night in 1986. And really to my surprise he wore that white shirt with the picture of David on it and maybe that was his trick to catch my attention even before his music could do it.
Little later the Lives In The Balance album came out and it became my first one and all others should follow time after time later on. I learned that David had been his sideman and I, of course, always loved especially those older songs with David playing his stratospherical slide/lap steel sounds. I think both of them are still connected in friendship after all the years, which is pretty much documented in the Going Home video. Although it is a little bit out of the rule that there is no song on the new album to which David contributes. There has been room for him on at least one song of every album with the exception of the first one and the 1983 Lawyers In Love record. I knew there had been a concert late in 1986 in Hamburg but I had no opportunity to go there. After that his appearance was quite low in Germany. I remember his TV appearance at the Mandela concert in 1988. Oh, I also remember having seen him at the Artists United Against Apartheid concert (should be 1985, but maybe broadcasted again later?) and at the end he was on the stage with Darryl right next to him. Around that time I also watched the movie Reckless (early 80«s) and maybe many of you know that there is a concert poster of Jackson visible in one short scene at the wall in the girl«s (Darryl«s) room upstairs. Maybe that was the very start of that story?
By the way, does anybody know, when the Tender Is The Night video with Darryl acting in it was produced? I think some time later than 1983 after they already had become a couple? Late in 1986 my own first true love relationship started and she began to like his music, too. I remember Somebody«s Baby had a quite good rotation at German radio stations, then. In the Shape of a Heart will always make me think of another private aspect of my relation in those days, too. The first time I saw him live was short after the release of I«m Alive in 1993 in Hamburg. Not very long after he had his divorce and I had mine. He started out of that crash landing and so did I. Now the difference is that he seems to manage it for more than ten years with his stunning mystery companion while I had my divorce last year. By the way, my five year old daughter likes the Going Home DVD very much, in particular the photos with little Ethan on piano and on the floor! To resume, his music accompanied me and it helped me through ups and downs over and over again. I went to the concerts in Hamburg in 1994 and 1996 and also watched him doing the solo acoustic concert late in 1996 in Hamburg. (Unfortunately, the acoustic tour with David 1997 had no shows in Germany.)
This time I went to Berlin since my job did not allow me to come to Hamburg the night before. (To a comment above: You see, it has been at least the sixth time he played Hamburg, not the forth.) Actually, I had to give a scientific talk at a conference in Aachen. Fortunately, I was able to convince the program organizer in advance to organize the conference in a way that gave me the opportunity to leave Aachen on Thursday morning to go to Berlin and see the show. What an amount of influence that man has! :-) The show in Berlin was great. The setlist is given above already. It maybe added that For a Dancer was a request in the first part repeated from somebody after the intermission and he replied: Oh yes, I forgot about that! Also Lives in the Balance was requested and he replied that it would be played later on. I was very happy to hear this one, because he never did it in the 90«s concerts with his band. I also would have liked to hear Somebody«s Baby which was the opener at so many shows before. I don«t know why, but it seems he never plays it in Germany, although it was popular here, as I already mentioned.
Another favourite of mine is Hold On Hold Out, but I think this will not be on any setlist in future, so I have to continue listening to my cassette with the Montreux concert 1982 where he played a wonderful live version of this. Nevertheless, he surprised me playing Till I Go Down which fits quite well in the times we are in now. For America is another one probably hopeless to wait for. But there were three songs from the Lives in the Balance record (my first one) and that was quite a lot, I think. Besides Barricade Of Heaven there was nothing from the I«m Alive and from the Looking East records, but this was okay for me because I had those in the 90«s concerts. It is very interesting what changes some of the older songs have gone through. While Before The Deluge was played in the 90`s concerts in a reggae-like style the actual version seems to be quite near the original one again. In addition, it striked me that Mark played the lap steel guitar several times on the older songs which was not the case in the 90`s shows. For instance, These Days was wonderful in this sense. Talking about this song Jackson mentioned that it was recorded by Nico and that he played guitar with her. He told that probably everyone educated that time knew that she was from Germany (Kln), but he did not. And somehow it was not important for him. For him she came from another planet.
From the new stuff my favourite is For Taking The Trouble and the acoustic live version was great. Could it be that the song is addressed to one of his sons? Talking about ăyour grandma sitting «round heavenă would make sense then. Ok, again you find me speculating a little, but is this bad? Many or most of his lyrics (if not all) have a very private origin or core and the objects are transposed in a way that everyone of us is deeply touched and we all like our own interpretations and transformations. And to me it seems, this process is not diminished if you know a little more about the origin. And I think Jackson thinks similar since he often gives some story fragments in his in-between talks. And do you know another songwriter that comes across with such honesty? I think I should come to an end now although it seems I could go on and on forever. To close the circle, I would like to mention that I plan to watch the David Lindley / Wally Ingram acoustic show in Hannover on April 11th. I think Jackson and David should do another acoustic tour, maybe next year! That would be great. Let his music keep our spirits high!
Hi Russ,
Here's a note about the show in Copenhagen 26/3. It was a great show (only my second JB consert), the crowd were mostly middle-aged, (I'm a bit younger) and everybody seemed exited (JB doesn't play here that often...) I also saw the show in Esbjerg 22/3, but this one was quite a bit better, especially the second part of the consert, the sound was very good, his voice near-perfect, and there were many highs, Late for the Sky with JB at the piano, a beautiful These Days (he mentioned that he played on the recording with Nico in 67, and that it was "his oldest song"), In the shape of a Heart, Rock me on the water (with an introduction about JB's and the band's opposition to the war, it seemed very sincere), Lives in the Balance was very strong, also Till I go down. Of the new songs I found For taking the trouble, the best, it was done mostly acustic, very good. I've been listening to JB's music for almost half my life, so it was in a way unreal to finally see the man, and hear the songs played live...he seemed generous...after The Pretender and ROE, he did an amazing Looking into you, alone at the piano, pure magic....In Esbjerg he played the Load-Out as an encore, but in Copenhagen he played For Everyman, and JB and the whole band were really into it ("don't think to badly of one who's left holding sand"...) To those who haven't seen the show, well if you care for JB's music, you just have to be there!
"now I'm looking in my life, for a truth that is my own".
Hello Russ,
I have a question to you and hope you can help. For the english version of my Jackson Browne book and the second edition of the german version I need the Number of the single "The Night Inside Me". I have not bought it and now it is in Germany out of stock. So nobody can help me in that question. Are you able to mail me the number(s)? It would be very kind.
Regards and best wishes
Webmaster's Reply:
Hi Manfred,
I do not know the answer to this question and have not been able to locate any singles from the new album myself. If anyone else out there knows the answer to Manfred's question, please write him directly. And if anyone out there has a good source for CD Singles from the new album, please let me know! Thank you.
Russ
The Brighton Dome, 28 March 2003
As Jackson was playing relatively close to where I live, I decided to just go for it, as it's been an entire three weeks since my last concert of his! Besides, after he's done with his tour here, who knows how long it could be before he comes back. Anyway, here's the setlist (which could be slightly out of order, if so, please forgive me):
*The set was changed around a great deal, as "Running on Empty" was originally pencilled as an encore, but was played due to a request. I could see the setlist from where I was, and he was scheduled to finish with "For Everyman", but seemed to run out of time. By the time the concert finished the sheet was covered in thick black marker!
*I heard the guy at the mixing desk say that the concert was being recorded for "reference", and that it could possibly result in a live compilation album somewhere down the line.
*A fan requested "The Fuse", which Jackson claims not to have played for about 15 years now! He said that he might not even remember how to play it.
*When Jackson asked if anyone was from Southern California, only the guys in the band raised their hands. A guy in the crowd shouted out, "No, some of us are heterosexual"! Jackson then turned to his band and said that some of them are also heterosexual, to which Kevin slowly raised his hand. He said that the song "The Naked Ride Home" wasn't written about a homosexual relationship in particular, but it could be about that if you wanted it to be. I tell you, it brings a whole new light to the song.
Overall it was an enjoyable show, albeit for different reasons to the concert from three weeks ago. The addition of numbers such as "Black and White" and "Call it a Loan" helped, but the rather anti-climatic encore of "Soldier of Plenty" kind of let it down at the end. But then again, the response he received was hardly worthy of another encore anyway, so fair play to him.
I was glad that "Somebody's Baby" was thrown into the mix, even though it did get slightly lost in the shuffle, but without "Doctor My Eyes" you always wonder whether you got value for money. Having seen the other shows i'm perfectly happy; had I attended only this one I might not be so.
All in all a great venue, great acoustics, a tolerable setlist and a magnificent voice, which all combine to make yet another unforgettable night.
Wow, what a night!! The last but one show on the UK leg of the European tour and Jackson and the band pulled out all the stops. By our reckoning he played a shade under two and three quarter hours and we managed to get him back for 4 encores, not one encore of four songs, but four times back to the stage.
Right from the moment we set off for the concert we felt it was going to be something special. We had already seen him at Hammersmith and Birmingham and this was the moment we were finally going to have to say goodbye to the band until the next time they hit these shores. It was in the air for a good show and they did not disappoint.
Really nice venue, great sound and Jackson soooo relaxed, in good humour with the crowd, seemingly really at ease with the evening. To cap it, we met some friends that we had seen at the Birmingham show (Jamie and Sarah you know who you are!) who had only managed to get tickets a week before despite trying for weeks.
Some interesting inclusions in the set list, really hit the Lives In The Balance album hard, as we got a trilogy in the first half of Lives.., Til I Go Down and Black And White. Add to these Shape Of A Heart in the second half and a really surprising first encore, Soldier Of Plenty. Excellent, and quite obviously influenced by events going on elsewhere.
Cracking versions of Dancer and Late For The Sky, he toyed with one lady's plea for Dancer but didn't make her wait too long for it. Having said that, she was quite funny herself!
Once the encores started he hit us, as said before, with Soldier Of Plenty, left the stage, came back again to do a cracking version of For Everyman, telling us that "we don't do Stay every night, despite what you might think!", left once more but the audience wasn't prepared to let him go and he took to the stage again for a marauding version of Doctor My Eyes. As he left again you thought that had to be it but no, the applause just kept going and when he re-appeared for a fourth time the roof barely stayed on. Then we had Load Out (Clockwork Orange on the video!) and Stay, with Jackson really winding the crowd up at the end of Stay. He looked as if he was having a blast, as were we all. Then, it was over. The band left the stage, Jackson looked genuinely bowled over by the reaction he was getting, and it surely cannot be that we will have to wait so long to see him again.
At the end of our third show of this tour, we came to the conclusion that we thought this one had shaded it as the best, it was just a magic evening, rarely to be repeated. All we can say, although I don't know whether Jackson ever reads this site, is a big, big thank you to Jackson, Mark, Jeff, Kevin, Val, Mauricio and Amanda for three very special evenings over the last three weeks.
And to the fans who have still to see him in Europe, if he's anywhere near as good as he was at Warwick you are in for a treat.
Set list:
What a weekend! Saturated in Jackson, the band, the music and still got Milan to go.
Brighton was wonderful, The Dome is a fantastic venue, part of the Royal Pavilion so visually stunning and the accoustics excellent. I sat in the gardens in the early evening, with the seagulls and a saxaphone playing nearby and heard Jackson and the band practising - Soldier of Plenty - with a new urgency to the music so I had an inkling of the show and I wasn't disappointed. Lots of tracks from Lives in the Balance played with real feeling and commitment,the show really matched my mood and I realised how much I had been playing Lives in the Balance since the war began. I hope someone else does a proper review and set list.
So on to Warwick, sneaked in and watched them practising in the afternoon til I got thrown out, this tour has turned me in to a middle-aged groupie! Could these shows carry on getting better and better - I went to Manchester and Birmingham before Brighton. First half fine, pretty much what I expected from Brighton, but not quite as tight and powerful, audience quieter. I think the songs were:
Night Inside MeWow! What a second half! Jackson and the band really rocked it right from the start with an exciting My Imagination which got us all going and by the time we got to RoE the whole place was on its feet and they came back for more and more. 3 hours of magic. Thankyou Jackson and the band thankyou audience and hi to those peoplesitting next to me who got returned tickets too. Aren,t you glad you did? What a night. Milan on Tuesday. What a week!
After the concert in Esbjerg on the 22nd, I spent the next couple of days wondering how to be able to go to the 2nd danish concert in Greve on the 26th. It wasnât untill afternoon the 25th, that I called the box office to ask if they had any tickets left; and the Lady said: "Well I just have two tickets in the front row!!" How lucky can you be???
Jackson and the band started out with very strong and powerfull versions of Night inside me, Fountain of Sorrow and Barricades. The dynamics of Fountain makes it so beautifull "Youâve had to hide sometimes, but now youâre all right..... And itâs good to see your smiling face tonight!!!". Also The naked Ride Home and These Days were very strong performances.
In the 2nd set we got a different setlist than the one in Esbjerg, with Late for the Sky and (again) Running on empty as stand-outs. Before The Pretender, Jackson fell in love with his white Stratocaster: "I love this guitar, but I only get to see it once a day - I guess I could take it to my room if I wanted to??"
When he returned for the encore and sat down at the piano, some jerk approached the stage with a copy of The Pretender and asked Jackson to sign it. Jackson said "WHAT?" and then "No I will not sign it" and continued to speak to the audience about how people would appoach him for autographs at the most unbeleivable times - even while heâs playing. He also said, that the tour now has reached the stage, where itâs difficult to keep track of where they are, and to distinguish between the different nights - but now he had something by which to remember this night!!
On the 3 hours drive to Greve, my friend Lars T. and I had been talking about which songs we would want to hear and how Jackson sometimes plays requests. I was hoping for For Everyman, but as it had not been played at all during this tour (at that point I didnât know it was played in Stockholm the night before), I guessed the chances would be minimal. So when for the last encore I heard the familiar first notes of the intro·wow. And although the version wasnât the tightest, it definitely rounded the evening perfectly off for me.
The audience was even more laid back than in Esbjeg, although still very appreciative. We went to the stage before the encores, but only a few people followed - the rest stayed in their seats (guess the jerk with the cd made people reluctant to make a stage-rush). So we didnât get the take off during the encores that we had in Esbjerg.
Anyway, it was another night of lovely music and intimacy. Again a perfect sound and superb playinâ by Jackson and the band. A special bow would go to Val, whom imo. has the rare talent of playin just the right amount of notes at just the right time (and at the right volume) ö besides being able of course to rip it off when it comes to that. And when he did his Harmonica-thing on A Child in These Hills, Jackson just stood staring at him afterwards and after a pause exclaimed something like: "I'm still amazed how he can do this."
Love,
Thanks for the site - very informative and interesting.
Third Jackson Browne concert for me but first time in front row seats (was amazed when I booked and it was fantastic to be that close).
Some of the venues appear to have marred the sound but the Butterworth Hall was superb. Jackson does not appear to have aged (whereas I have since the last time he was here) and his performance was CD quality. No idea how he did that but it was a marvellous concert.
I assume the band made "The Night Inside Me" with Jackson as their live performance of songs like the title song of the album was perfect.
What amazed me was the tightness of the band. The two lead guitars would take half of some of the solos and Val's pick style would pass across the stage to a finger picked screaming solo by the other lead guitarist. They, with the rest of the band, were able to build up a number of the songs from relatively quiet starts to astonishingly energetic endings with Maurizio drumming the life out of his kit and the guitars layering fast riffs into a throbbing, thumping crescendo. In particular, this was amazing on A Child in These Hills and I had the drum power banging straight through me with a bass unit pointing straight at me. Last time I felt that was as a six year old when an old Lightning jet took off and the shock waves from the reheat on the engines thumped me in the chest - wonderful.
People were calling out for songs (not too much) and one girl requested "For a Dancer". Jackson smiled and said maybe. The girl then shouted out please and Jackson smilingly added that it was more about tone. The girl then put on a whiney 7 year old voice - "pweeeeeeaaase" which got a big laugh. Jackson (weakening) said that she should ask later on. With perfect timing, she gave him a good 5 seconds and then asked again. Everyone was laughing and he gave a great performance of it a couple of songs later for her.
Set included Lives in the Balance (which he says his son in Austraila suggested he play) and Soldier of Plenty which he had heard Bonnie Raitt playing on the radio and was reminded about. For Lives in the Balance, the band went MTV-Unplugged and the acoustic bass and guitars appeared with Maurizio bashing away at something he was sitting on. Considering the highly complex sound of that album it was really interesting and effective to hear it this way. He did some other songs with the band going acoustic but I was lost in the music and now cannot remember.
My Stunning Mystery Companion was introduced as a song that means a lot to him personally as it is about his partner of 10 years. I nearly wrote girlfriend but Jackson explained that he chose the title as girlfriend does not really mean enough. Apparently the phrase was in the society pages of an English newspaper (and for any American readers - be grateful you are spared such sychophantic rubbish). Nice story and a nice end to the first half.
Highlights were hearing Fountain of Sorrow, These Days, Doctor My Eyes, Barricades of Heaven and For Everyman. The latter has a great bass line on acoustic guitar that is different from how you hear the album version. It is interesting seeing other concerts where people got Sky Blue and Black or some other favourite. The set appears to change slightly around the core tracks and the only answer is probably to go to every concert (hmm - must consider career change to roadie - one, two , one er....don't know what comes next so perhaps not).
At the end of the concert, a couple of children were leaning on the stage at the front and Jackson looked really happy they were there. He kept smiling at them and then when everyone had moved from singing the along to Stay (which is hard when you don't know which part of the lyric you should sing) to shouting STAY - Jackson kept telling the kids to shout it out. In the end he half walked across the stage and they started doing it. It was really nice that he had noticed them and I suspect he got a kick out of that too.
My wife of 15 years told me in the intermission that the concert is the soundtrack to our marriage - and she is right. 20 years of listening to Jackson Browne's music (plus 20 years of slaughtering it on the guitar) and I love it more every day. I just sat there at times during the concert - consciously trying to remember everything about it.
Stunning concert - great venue - excellent band and a man who is not aging. I look forward to the next tour or tracking him down around the world sometime :-)
I have two words for you Jackson - Live Album!
Oh well - two more then - thank you.
Hi Russ
I just want to share my profound delight of a once in a lifetime opportunity to catch JB live in concert. I'm a Malaysian student who just happened to be at the right place at the right time - Manchester Opera House 30/03/03. When will I have the chance again to see him sing again.... probably never at my corner of the world, but it was a truly remarkable evening, and an experience to cherish for a lifetime.